Features

Memories of “Dusty” Miller of the Colombo Commercial Company

Published

2 years ago

2024/03/10

Thilina Walpola

Colombo Commercial Company engineering workshop

by ACB Pethiyagoda

The Business (Acquisition) Act No. 35 of 1971 enabled the then government to take over any business undertaking. One of the intended purposes was to have complete control over their commercial activities and thereby ensure that rightful dues to the country earned from exports and other trading activities internationally were brought in.

That was an urgent need then as the country was in dire need of every dollar and pound sterling (for short called FOREX) as other sources such as foreign aid and loans were woefully short or had dried up. That was the beneficial side of the exercise but what was detrimental was that men with long and valuable commercial experience in the organizations taken over were at times replaced by incompetent political stooges.

In 1976 The Colombo Commercial Company (CCC) with its office in Acland House, 25, Lillie Street, Colombo 2 and branches in Badulla, Hatton, Kandapola, Kandy and Ratnapura was taken over. Its Principal’s office was in Mincing Lane, London and according to the Ferguson’s Directory of 1965 the Company dealt in Estate Management, Fertilizers, Tea, Insurance, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Building construction and were Agents and Distributors of products of about 50 foreign companies.

Google reveals that the company was founded in London with John Burn an engineer who was born in Aberdeen setting up its branch in Colombo. “Burn had gained considerable experience since 1848 opened up his business in Colombo on premises purchased, namely Acland House and grounds covering 13 acres at Slave Island, which was formerly the mess of the Ceylon Rifle Regiment. During the early years the Company’s progress, the Slave Island Mills handled coffee, tea and artificial manures.”

The company’s stature then was such that it even had, “A very neat and well struck copper token.” On its obverse was “The Colombo Commercial Co. Limited 1876” with an embossed tea plant and on the reverse “Slave Island Mills” with two sprigs of orange leaves. Each of the 500 tokens struck were brass, “round in shape, 29.9 mm in diameter each weighing 8.05 grams.”

Acland House (now Visumpaya) when first taken over by Government was refurbished and used by it as a guest house for high visiting official dignitaries. The stately two stories building was large by any standard, no wonder having been an Army Mess, with the ground floor used as CCC’s office.

Memories go back to early 1960 when the writer was interviewed by A.W. Halstead, Head of the Estates Department, who was later replaced by Kenneth Ratwatte as a Director. The writer was first appointed as Junior Assistant Superintendent of Mooloya Estate, two years later Senior Assistant Superintendent and another two years later Acting Superintendent of Mayfield Estate — the first Ceylonese in that position. Soon after, progression lead to manage Braemore and thereafter Mayfield Estate.

Visits by superintendents to the offices of their Agents were then mostly on ‘summons’ and those often resulted in a dressing down; these were rare and for very serious offences only. The writer, to the somewhat surprise of the Directors, Managers and Assistants often made unexpected visits to Acland House to consult Kumar Paul, Nirmala Ranasinghe, Brian Tranchel and Peter Dardart, manager of the Tea Department to pick their brains and improve the quality of teas he produced. Information on market trends was also sought — all efforts being made to improve the profitability of the property in his charge — cost cutting exercise having been exhausted.

Profitability then was the only way to keep at times even offensive correspondence from Principals and Agents to the barest minimum and ensure advancement in the company. The ultimate beneficiary, of course, was the country itself selling its produce at optimum prices and bringing in scarce foreign exchange to import essentials such as rice, sugar, petroleum products etc.

These visits to Colombo and reciprocal visits by the Tea Department’s Executives to the Estates paid handsomely as the quotes below show:

“The Tea Department offer congratulations on you producing a tea as good as this…….”

“The prices realized for the BOPS of these two Invoices are the highest obtained by Braemore during the past few years and we are writing this letter to convey our appreciation to you and your staff on this achievements. ” “This is one of the best invoices we have ever seen from Mayfield Estate and it is the unanimousopinion of the members of the Tea Department that this Invoice is better than Bogawanthalawa Inv. 25”

The work ethic then was different from now in many spheres of employment, positive results only were the criteria recognized. Hence, these laudatory messages were read, reread as the joy and satisfaction was greater than most anything else. The achievements were solely due to planning and execution over long days in the tea fields ensuring good agricultural practices and leaf standards followed by equally long nights in the factories monitoring each and every stage of manufacture from evening to next morning. Within the Company, between companies and even at the bars at Radella, Talawakelle and Agras Clubs excellence in results were recognized by fellow planters with a few jokes and jibes thrown in.

Two months ago about thirty of Colombo Commercial Co’s Old Crocks, many accompanied by their wives got together for their annual dinner organized by Asoka Gopallawa and Shanthi Wijesundera. Many of the reminiscences were of the time – roughly in the mid years of the nineteen hundreds when CCC was accepted as one of the best private sector organizations in the country. Practically everyone had something to relate about his experiences with Mr. E W Miller, the money minded and shrewd Englishman who took over the Company in London in 1961 by some clever maneuvering and came to Colombo as if carried by a whirlwind.

He was unconventional in talk, dress and manners to a point that many and old fashioned brow was raised or a jaw dropped and some of the owners of those parts of the body feared they would next find themselves on the beach or cart road – jobless. Many of them were the highly paid Europeans with palatial accommodation, overseas leave, children’s education allowances etc, who were eventually replaced by Miller with equally competent Ceylonese with significant financial advantage to himself.

He (Dusty in conversations other than in his presence), virtually turned the Company upside down from its conservative and staid business etiquette and practices to such unconventional methods which shocked many within and outside the Company. For instance he would himself drive to a Branch Office or Department or an estate in the Agency unannounced when at that time even Auditors gave two weeks notice and enquired whether the dates were convenient to the Superintendent! Dusty talked straight and he appreciated unvarnished replies If one got on with him skies were the limit because he could be generous and friendly. The opposite situation was also very well known!

The writer’s first meeting with Miller is still fresh in his mind when as an Assistant Superintendent he was appointed Acting Superintendent of Mayfield (the first Ceylonese in that position) as an urgent stop gap arrangement. On ‘taking over’ the property from the Superintendent, who was induced by Miller to retire, the writer within the first few days found the estate in a king sized mess. However. the five bedroom bungalow with wall to wall carpeting and tastefully furnished looked like something out of the “Home and Garden” magazine. Obviously the wife was a better manager of property than the Superintendent! In these circumstances grappling with the many, many problems who arrives? Miller, his wife and business buddy giving one day’s notice.

The evening of their arrival was nothing but a hot tin roof the writer was walking on as the visitors (except the lady) were obviously gauging their host in a mildly patronizing way at times – they drank numerous whiskeys and the host a pint of beer. The main topics of discussion were local politics a general election being due, and the state of the property.

Questions were fended off somewhat firmly by declaring that the only politics that concerned their host was his welfare and if the visitors were good enough to call over in a month’s time an educated opinion on the state of the property and some solutions to its problems would be given as he had hardly time to take proper stock of the situation.

On reflection later on in the night, left to his own thoughts, he thought it was `kaput’ for him and it would have been prudent to have indulged the visitors. Next morning, while waiting for the men for breakfast, the writer and the lady were making small talk the writer said he thought he had mishandled the previous evening. To his great surprise and even greater relief she said Dusty thought their host was straight, cautious and would deliver the goods. That he did in due course, and it was kosher with Dusty making an unexpected ex gratis payment for a successful Act and a handsome wedding gift two years later.

There’s good and bad even among the sharpest businessmen — Dusty Miller was one of them, the former characteristic being a bit more pronounced.

(This article was first published in this newspaper in June 2009)

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Misinterpreting President Dissanayake on National Reconciliation

Published

18 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

President Dissanayake

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has been investing his political capital in going to the public to explain some of the most politically sensitive and controversial issues. At a time when easier political choices are available, the president is choosing the harder path of confronting ethnic suspicion and communal fears. There are three issues in particular on which the president’s words have generated strong reactions. These are first with regard to Buddhist pilgrims going to the north of the country with nationalist motivations. Second is the controversy relating to the expansion of the Tissa Raja Maha Viharaya, a recently constructed Buddhist temple in Kankesanturai which has become a flashpoint between local Tamil residents and Sinhala nationalist groups. Third is the decision not to give the war victory a central place in the Independence Day celebrations.

Even in the opposition, when his party held only three seats in parliament, Anura Kumara Dissanayake took his role as a public educator seriously. He used to deliver lengthy, well researched and easily digestible speeches in parliament. He continues this practice as president. It can be seen that his statements are primarily meant to elevate the thinking of the people and not to win votes the easy way. The easy way to win votes whether in Sri Lanka or elsewhere in the world is to rouse nationalist and racist sentiments and ride that wave. Sri Lanka’s post independence political history shows that narrow ethnic mobilisation has often produced short term electoral gains but long term national damage.

Sections of the opposition and segments of the general public have been critical of the president for taking these positions. They have claimed that the president is taking these positions in order to obtain more Tamil votes or to appease minority communities. The same may be said in reverse of those others who take contrary positions that they seek the Sinhala votes. These political actors who thrive on nationalist mobilisation have attempted to portray the president’s statements as an abandonment of the majority community. The president’s actions need to be understood within the larger framework of national reconciliation and long term national stability.

Reconciler’s Duty

When the president referred to Buddhist pilgrims from the south going to the north, he was not speaking about pilgrims visiting long established Buddhist heritage sites such as Nagadeepa or Kandarodai. His remarks were directed at a specific and highly contentious development, the recently built Buddhist temple in Kankesanturai and those built elsewhere in the recent past in the north and east. The temple in Kankesanturai did not emerge from the religious needs of a local Buddhist community as there is none in that area. It has been constructed on land that was formerly owned and used by Tamil civilians and which came under military occupation as a high security zone. What has made the issue of the temple particularly controversial is that it was established with the support of the security forces.

The controversy has deepened because the temple authorities have sought to expand the site from approximately one acre to nearly fourteen acres on the basis that there was a historic Buddhist temple in that area up to the colonial period. However, the Tamil residents of the area fear that expansion would further displace surrounding residents and consolidate a permanent Buddhist religious presence in the present period in an area where the local population is overwhelmingly Hindu. For many Tamils in Kankesanturai, the issue is not Buddhism as a religion but the use of religion as a vehicle for territorial assertion and demographic changes in a region that bore the brunt of the war. Likewise, there are other parts of the north and east where other temples or places of worship have been established by the military personnel in their camps during their war-time occupation and questions arise regarding the future when these camps are finally closed.

There are those who have actively organised large scale pilgrimages from the south to make the Tissa temple another important religious site. These pilgrimages are framed publicly as acts of devotion but are widely perceived locally as demonstrations of dominance. Each such visit heightens tension, provokes protest by Tamil residents, and risks confrontation. For communities that experienced mass displacement, military occupation and land loss, the symbolism of a state backed religious structure on contested land with the backing of the security forces is impossible to separate from memories of war and destruction. A president committed to reconciliation cannot remain silent in the face of such provocations, however uncomfortable it may be to challenge sections of the majority community.

High-minded leadership

The controversy regarding the president’s Independence Day speech has also generated strong debate. In that speech the president did not refer to the military victory over the LTTE and also did not use the term “war heroes” to describe soldiers. For many Sinhala nationalist groups, the absence of these references was seen as an attempt to diminish the sacrifices of the armed forces. The reality is that Independence Day means very different things to different communities. In the north and east the same day is marked by protest events and mourning and as a “Black Day”, symbolising the consolidation of a state they continue to experience as excluding them and not empathizing with the full extent of their losses.

By way of contrast, the president’s objective was to ensure that Independence Day could be observed as a day that belonged to all communities in the country. It is not correct to assume that the president takes these positions in order to appease minorities or secure electoral advantage. The president is only one year into his term and does not need to take politically risky positions for short term electoral gains. Indeed, the positions he has taken involve confronting powerful nationalist political forces that can mobilise significant opposition. He risks losing majority support for his statements. This itself indicates that the motivation is not electoral calculation.

President Dissanayake has recognized that Sri Lanka’s long term political stability and economic recovery depend on building trust among communities that once peacefully coexisted and then lived through decades of war. Political leadership is ultimately tested by the willingness to say what is necessary rather than what is politically expedient. The president’s recent interventions demonstrate rare national leadership and constitute an attempt to shift public discourse away from ethnic triumphalism and toward a more inclusive conception of nationhood. Reconciliation cannot take root if national ceremonies reinforce the perception of victory for one community and defeat for another especially in an internal conflict.

BY Jehan Perera

Features

Recovery of LTTE weapons

Published

18 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Sri Lanka Navy in action

I have read a newspaper report that the Special Task Force of Sri Lanka Police, with help of Military Intelligence, recovered three buried yet well-preserved 84mm Carl Gustaf recoilless rocket launchers used by the LTTE, in the Kudumbimalai area, Batticaloa.

These deadly weapons were used by the LTTE SEA TIGER WING to attack the Sri Lanka Navy ships and craft in 1990s. The first incident was in February 1997, off Iranativu island, in the Gulf of Mannar.

Admiral Cecil Tissera took over as Commander of the Navy on 27 January, 1997, from Admiral Mohan Samarasekara.

The fight against the LTTE was intensified from 1996 and the SLN was using her Vanguard of the Navy, Fast Attack Craft Squadron, to destroy the LTTE’s littoral fighting capabilities. Frequent confrontations against the LTTE Sea Tiger boats were reported off Mullaitivu, Point Pedro and Velvetiturai areas, where SLN units became victorious in most of these sea battles, except in a few incidents where the SLN lost Fast Attack Craft.

Carl Gustaf recoilless rocket launchers

The intelligence reports confirmed that the LTTE Sea Tigers was using new recoilless rocket launchers against aluminium-hull FACs, and they were deadly at close quarter sea battles, but the exact type of this weapon was not disclosed.

The following incident, which occurred in February 1997, helped confirm the weapon was Carl Gustaf 84 mm Recoilless gun!

DATE: 09TH FEBRUARY, 1997, morning 0600 hrs.

LOCATION: OFF IRANATHIVE.

FACs: P 460 ISRAEL BUILT, COMMANDED BY CDR MANOJ JAYESOORIYA

P 452 CDL BUILT, COMMANDED BY LCDR PM WICKRAMASINGHE (ON TEMPORARY COMMAND. PROPER OIC LCDR N HEENATIGALA)

OPERATED FROM KKS.

CONFRONTED WITH LTTE ATTACK CRAFT POWERED WITH FOUR 250 HP OUT BOARD MOTORS.

TARGET WAS DESTROYED AND ONE LTTE MEMBER WAS CAPTURED.

LEADING MARINE ENGINEERING MECHANIC OF THE FAC CAME UP TO THE BRIDGE CARRYING A PROJECTILE WHICH WAS FIRED BY THE LTTE BOAT, DURING CONFRONTATION, WHICH PENETRATED THROUGH THE FAC’s HULL, AND ENTERED THE OICs CABIN (BETWEEN THE TWO BUNKS) AND HIT THE AUXILIARY ENGINE ROOM DOOR AND HAD FALLEN DOWN WITHOUT EXPLODING. THE ENGINE ROOM DOOR WAS HEAVILY DAMAGED LOOSING THE WATER TIGHT INTEGRITY OF THE FAC.

THE PROJECTILE WAS LATER HANDED OVER TO THE NAVAL WEAPONS EXPERTS WHEN THE FACs RETURNED TO KKS. INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THE WEAPON USED BY THE ENEMY WAS 84 mm CARL GUSTAF SHOULDER-FIRED RECOILLESS GUN AND THIS PROJECTILE WAS AN ILLUMINATER BOMB OF ONE MILLION CANDLE POWER. BUT THE ATTACKERS HAS FAILED TO REMOVE THE SAFETY PIN, THEREFORE THE BOMB WAS NOT ACTIVATED.

Sea Tigers

Carl Gustaf 84 mm recoilless gun was named after Carl Gustaf Stads Gevärsfaktori, which, initially, produced it. Sweden later developed the 84mm shoulder-fired recoilless gun by the Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration during the second half of 1940s as a crew served man- portable infantry support gun for close range multi-role anti-armour, anti-personnel, battle field illumination, smoke screening and marking fire.

It is confirmed in Wikipedia that Carl Gustaf Recoilless shoulder-fired guns were used by the only non-state actor in the world – the LTTE – during the final Eelam War.

It is extremely important to check the batch numbers of the recently recovered three launchers to find out where they were produced and other details like how they ended up in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka?

By Admiral Ravindra C. Wijegunaratne
WV, RWP and Bar, RSP, VSV, USP, NI (M) (Pakistan), ndc, psn, Bsc (Hons) (War Studies) (Karachi) MPhil (Madras)
Former Navy Commander and Former Chief of Defence Staff
Former Chairman, Trincomalee Petroleum Terminals Ltd
Former Managing Director Ceylon Petroleum Corporation
Former High Commissioner to Pakistan

Features

Yellow Beatz … a style similar to K-pop!

Published

18 hours ago

2026/02/10

Sahan Weerasooriya

Yes, get ready to vibe with Yellow Beatz, Sri Lanka’s awesome girl group, keen to take Sri Lankan music to the world with a style similar to K-pop!

With high-energy beats and infectious hooks, these talented ladies are here to shake up the music scene.

Think bold moves, catchy hooks, and, of course, spicy versions of old Sinhala hits, and Yellow Beatz is the package you won’t want to miss!

According to a spokesman for the group, Yellow Beatz became a reality during the Covid period … when everyone was stuck at home, in lockdown.

“First we interviewed girls, online, and selected a team that blended well, as four voices, and then started rehearsals. One of the cover songs we recorded, during those early rehearsals, unexpectedly went viral on Facebook. From that moment onward, we continued doing cover songs, and we received a huge response. Through that, we were able to bring back some beautiful Sri Lankan musical creations that were being forgotten, and introduce them to the new generation.”

The team members, I am told, have strong musical skills and with proper training their goal is to become a vocal group recognised around the world.

Believe me, their goal, they say, is not only to take Sri Lanka’s name forward, in the music scene, but to bring home a Grammy Award, as well.

“We truly believe we can achieve this with the love and support of everyone in Sri Lanka.”

The year 2026 is very special for Yellow Beatz as they have received an exceptional opportunity to represent Sri Lanka at the World Championships of Performing Arts in the USA.

Under the guidance of Chris Raththara, the Director for Sri Lanka, and with the blessings of all Sri Lankans, the girls have a great hope that they can win this milestone.

“We believe this will be a moment of great value for us as Yellow Beatz, and also for all Sri Lankans, and it will be an important inspiration for the future of our country.”

Along with all the preparation for the event in the USA, they went on to say they also need to manage their performances, original song recordings, and everything related.

The year 2026 is very special for Yellow Beatz

“We have strong confidence in ourselves and in our sincere intentions, because we are a team that studies music deeply, researches within the field, and works to take the uniqueness of Sri Lankan identity to the world.”

At present, they gather at the Voices Lab Academy, twice a week, for new creations and concert rehearsals.

This project was created by Buddhika Dayarathne who is currently working as a Pop Vocal lecturer at SLTC Campus. Voice Lab Academy is also his own private music academy and Yellow Beatz was formed through that platform.

Buddhika is keen to take Sri Lankan music to the world with a style similar to K-Pop and Yellow Beatz began as a result of that vision. With that same aim, we all work together as one team.

“Although it was a little challenging for the four of us girls to work together at first, we have united for our goal and continue to work very flexibly and with dedication. Our parents and families also give their continuous blessings and support for this project,” Rameesha, Dinushi, Newansa and Risuri said.

Last year, Yellow Beatz released their first original song, ‘Ihirila’ , and with everything happening this year, they are also preparing for their first album.